A Monstera deliciosa plant, also known as a Swiss cheese plant, is a tropical evergreen vine native to southern Mexico and Panama. It is a popular houseplant due to its large, glossy leaves with natural holes, or fenestrations. The fenestrations are thought to help the plant capture more sunlight in its native rainforest habitat.
Table of contents
What is a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
Monstera deliciosa plants can grow quite large, indoors they can reach heights of up to 6 feet. However, they are relatively easy to care for and make great low-maintenance houseplants.
Monstera deliciosa plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. If you see any pests on your plant, isolate it from other plants and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Why is it such a popular houseplant?
Monstera deliciosa plants are popular houseplants for a number of reasons:
- Unique and beautiful foliage: Monstera deliciosa plants are known for their large, glossy leaves with natural holes, or fenestrations. The fenestrations give the plant a unique and eye-catching appearance.
- Easy to care for: Monstera deliciosa plants are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for both experienced and beginner plant owners. They can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including low light and infrequent watering.
- Air purifier: Monstera deliciosa plants are known to be good air purifiers. They help to remove toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene.
- Fast-growing: Monstera deliciosa plants are fast-growing, so you can watch them grow and change over time.
- Versatile: Monstera deliciosa plants can be grown in a variety of ways. They can be trained to climb a trellis or moss pole, or they can be allowed to grow freely in a pot.
In addition to these reasons, Monstera deliciosa plants have also become popular in recent years due to their popularity on social media. Many home decor influencers and plant enthusiasts have featured Monstera deliciosa plants in their photos and videos, which has helped to increase the plant’s popularity.
What are the benefits of having a Monstera Deliciosa plant in your home?
There are many benefits to having a Monstera deliciosa plant in your home. Here are a few:
- Air purification: Monstera deliciosa plants are known to be good air purifiers. They help to remove toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene. This can help to improve your indoor air quality and make your home a healthier place to live.
- Stress reduction: Studies have shown that spending time around plants can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Monstera deliciosa plants are no exception. Their large, glossy leaves can help to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home.
- Increased productivity: Studies have also shown that having plants in the workplace can help to increase productivity and creativity. Monstera deliciosa plants are a great choice for office spaces, as they can help to create a more positive and productive work environment.
- Aesthetic appeal: Monstera deliciosa plants are simply beautiful. Their large, unique leaves can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. They are also a great way to add a touch of nature to your home.
In addition to these benefits, Monstera deliciosa plants are also relatively easy to care for. They are a good choice for both experienced and beginner plant owners.
Also Read: MONSTERA DELICIOSA VS. BORSIGIANA: MAJOR DIFFERENCES
Light Requirements
How much light does a Monstera Deliciosa plant need?
Monstera deliciosa plants need bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some low light, but they will grow best in bright light. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
What type of light is best for a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
Natural sunlight is the best type of light for a Monstera deliciosa plant. However, if you don’t have a lot of natural light in your home, you can use a grow light. When choosing a grow light, make sure to select one that is specifically designed for plants.
Where is the best place to place a Monstera Deliciosa plant in your home?
The best place to place a Monstera deliciosa plant in your home is near a window that faces east or west. These windows will provide your plant with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your plant in a south-facing window, as this could expose it to too much direct sunlight.
Here are some additional tips for providing your Monstera deliciosa plant with the right amount of light:
- If you have a north-facing window, you may need to supplement the natural light with a grow light.
- If you have a south-facing window, you can place your plant a few feet away from the window to avoid too much direct sunlight.
- You can also rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure that all sides of the plant are getting enough light.
If you notice that your Monstera deliciosa plant’s leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light. If this is the case, try moving your plant to a brighter location.
Watering Requirements
How often should you water a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
How often you need to water your Monstera deliciosa plant will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the plant, the type of pot it is in, and the humidity in your home. In general, you should water your Monstera deliciosa plant when the top inch of soil is dry. You can check the soil by sticking your finger into it. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
How do you know when to water a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
In addition to checking the soil, there are a few other signs that your Monstera deliciosa plant needs to be watered:
- The leaves are drooping or wilting.
- The leaves are curling or turning brown at the edges.
- The plant is dropping leaves.
If you notice any of these signs, water your plant immediately.
What is the best way to water a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
The best way to water a Monstera deliciosa plant is to water it deeply and thoroughly. This will help to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil. To water your plant, place it in the sink or bathtub and water it until water runs out of the drainage holes. Allow the plant to drain completely before putting it back in its pot.
Here are some additional tips for watering your Monstera deliciosa plant:
- Use room temperature water. Avoid using cold water, as this can shock the plant.
- Water your plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
- Avoid overwatering your plant. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
- If you are unsure whether or not your plant needs to be watered, err on the side of caution and wait a day or two.
With proper watering, your Monstera deliciosa plant will thrive.
Also Read: Hardy Hibiscus: How To Plant, Grow And Care This Perennial
Soil Requirements
What type of soil is best for a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
The best type of soil for a Monstera deliciosa plant is a well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix for tropical plants, or make your own by mixing equal parts potting mix, perlite, and peat moss.
Perlite and peat moss help to improve drainage and aeration in the soil. This is important for Monstera deliciosa plants, as they are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too soggy.
How often should you repot a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
You should repot your Monstera deliciosa plant every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes rootbound. Rootbound plants are plants whose roots have filled the pot and are starting to circle around the inside of the pot.
To repot your plant, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix and place your plant in the center of the pot. Backfill with potting mix and water the plant thoroughly.
What to do if your Monstera Deliciosa plant is rootbound
If your Monstera deliciosa plant is rootbound, you will need to repot it. To do this, follow the steps above. When removing the plant from its current pot, be careful not to damage the roots. If the roots are tightly circling around the inside of the pot, you may need to gently loosen them with your fingers.
Once you have repotted your plant, water it thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light location.
Here are some additional tips for potting your Monstera deliciosa plant:
- Use a pot with drainage holes. This will help to prevent the soil from becoming too soggy.
- Choose a pot that is the right size for your plant. A pot that is too small will restrict the plant’s growth, and a pot that is too large will make the plant more susceptible to overwatering.
- Use a well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix for tropical plants, or make your own by mixing equal parts potting mix, perlite, and peat moss.
- Be careful not to overwater your plant. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
Also Read: How To Grow Desert Lavender?
Humidity Requirements
Does a Monstera Deliciosa plant need high humidity?
Monstera deliciosa plants are native to tropical rainforests, where the humidity is high. As a result, they prefer humid conditions. However, they can tolerate average household humidity levels.
If you live in a dry climate, you may need to increase the humidity around your Monstera deliciosa plant. This is especially important during the winter months, when the air tends to be drier.
How to increase the humidity around your Monstera Deliciosa plant?
There are a few things you can do to increase the humidity around your Monstera deliciosa plant:
- Place your plant on a pebble tray. A pebble tray is a dish filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity in the air around the plant.
- Mist your plant regularly. Mist your plant once or twice a day with lukewarm water. Be careful not to over-mist your plant, as this can lead to fungal problems.
- Group your plants together. Grouping your plants together creates a microclimate that helps to increase the humidity around the plants.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to consider using a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining high humidity for your Monstera deliciosa plant:
- Avoid placing your plant near heating vents or air conditioners, as these can dry out the air.
- Place your plant in a bathroom or kitchen, as these rooms tend to be more humid than other rooms in the house.
- If you have a shower or bathtub in your bathroom, you can place your plant in the bathroom while you shower or bathe. The steam from the shower or bath will increase the humidity around the plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
What type of fertilizer is best for a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
The best type of fertilizer for a Monstera deliciosa plant is a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. This means that the fertilizer contains equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
You can use a liquid fertilizer or a granular fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers are typically easier to use, but granular fertilizers last longer.
How often should you fertilize a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
You should fertilize your Monstera deliciosa plant every two weeks during the spring and summer months. During the fall and winter months, you can reduce fertilization to once a month.
How to fertilize a Monstera Deliciosa plant?
To fertilize your Monstera deliciosa plant, mix the fertilizer according to the package directions. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength if you are using a liquid fertilizer.
Water your plant thoroughly before fertilizing. This will help to prevent the fertilizer from burning the roots.
Pour the fertilizer solution over the soil, making sure to water the entire root zone.
Allow the plant to drain completely before putting it back in its pot.
Here are some additional tips for fertilizing your Monstera deliciosa plant:
- Avoid fertilizing your plant in the winter, when it is dormant.
- Be careful not to over-fertilize your plant. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and leaves.
- If you notice that your plant’s leaves are turning yellow or brown at the edges, it may be a sign that you are over-fertilizing.
Also Read: Is Onion A Fruit Or Vegetable? (How To Classify Onion)
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves
Yellowing leaves are the most common problem with Monstera deliciosa plants. There are a few possible causes, including:
- Overwatering: Monstera deliciosa plants are susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Underwatering: Monstera deliciosa plants also need regular watering. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and drop.
- Lack of light: Monstera deliciosa plants need bright, indirect light. If the plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will turn yellow.
- Nutrient deficiency: Monstera deliciosa plants need regular fertilization. If the plant is not getting enough nutrients, the leaves will turn yellow.
Solutions:
- If you think your plant is overwatered, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- If you think your plant is underwatered, water it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- If your plant is not getting enough light, move it to a brighter location.
- Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Brown leaves
Brown leaves on a Monstera deliciosa plant can be caused by a few different things, including:
- Overwatering: Overwatering can cause the roots of the plant to rot, which can lead to brown leaves.
- Underwatering: Underwatering can also cause brown leaves.
- Low humidity: Monstera deliciosa plants prefer humid conditions. If the air is too dry, the leaves will turn brown.
- Pests and diseases: Brown leaves can also be a sign of pests or diseases.
Solutions:
- If you think your plant is overwatered, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- If you think your plant is underwatered, water it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray.
- Inspect your plant regularly for pests and diseases. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them immediately.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves on a Monstera deliciosa plant can be caused by a few different things, including:
- Underwatering: Underwatering is the most common cause of drooping leaves.
- Overwatering: Overwatering can also cause drooping leaves.
- Lack of light: Monstera deliciosa plants need bright, indirect light. If the plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will droop.
- Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can also cause drooping leaves.
Solutions:
- If you think your plant is underwatered, water it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- If you think your plant is overwatered, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- Move your plant to a brighter location.
- Inspect your plant regularly for pests and diseases. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them immediately.
Pests and diseases
Monstera deliciosa plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites.
Symptoms:
- Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that cluster on the stems and leaves of plants.
- Scale are small, brown insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants.
- Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that spin webs on the underside of leaves.
Solutions:
- To treat mealybugs, scale, and spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply the insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas of the plant and follow the package directions.
- You can also remove mealybugs, scale, and spider mites by hand. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the pests.
Conclusion
Monstera deliciosa plants are beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that make a great addition to any home. With proper care, your Monstera deliciosa plant will thrive and produce beautiful, healthy foliage for many years to come.
Here is a summary of the key points from this guide:
- Light: Monstera deliciosa plants need bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Monstera deliciosa plants are susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. Be sure to check the soil before watering. If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
- Fertilizer: Monstera deliciosa plants need regular fertilization to produce healthy foliage. Fertilize every two weeks during the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Humidity: Monstera deliciosa plants prefer humid conditions. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to increase the humidity around your plant. You can do this by misting your plant regularly or placing it on a pebble tray.
- Pests and diseases: Monstera deliciosa plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them immediately.
If you follow these tips, your Monstera deliciosa plant will thrive and bring you many years of enjoyment.
Also Read: How To Grow An Avocado From A Seed? (A Step-By-Step Guide)
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Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) (Height: 2 – 3 FT)
Monstera Deliciosa – XL (Height: 2 – 3 FT)
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